The BNP is aiming for a record number of seats in England's May local elections, UNISON is working hard to make sure people vote and keep the racists out of power. 

"The BNP scapegoat the poorest and the most vulnerable in our society, people need to understand that not voting will help them get in" says Rena Wood from Manchester's local government branch.

It is a UNISON priority to stop the racist British National Party winning any seats in todays local elections.  Not only are the BNP campaigning on their usual homophobic and racist agenda but they have declared this election 'a referendum on Islam'.

Ms Wood is one of many UNISON members working hard to challenge the BNP, one key aim is to get more people to vote as the BNPbenefits when there is low turn-out.  The campaigning work is essential the BNP grab for power should not underestimated.  In last year's general election, it increased its vote four fold compared to 2001.  In 2004, the BNP narrowly missed out on being elected to the European Parliament and the London Assembly.

"Race hate is divisive, stopping the BNP is about defending everyone's rightd, it is a basic workers issue" says Ms Woods.  "We're a union that support equal opportunities for all our members and fighting racist abuse is a legitimate part of our work.  This party doesn't care about the interests of workers and the public services they provide".

The BNP is operating a very focused campaign and despite its recent lack of electoral success has managed to stand over 300 candidates across the English regions.  There is always a danger that the BNP will slip in anywhere but inevitably resources to challenge it are concentrated on areas where it is considered a serious threat.  Closely contested wards can be found across the country in places such as Burnley, Calderdale, Kirklees, Dudley, Epping and Barking and Dagenham.

The BNP has become adept at exploiting local issues and fears and an important part of the campaigning work has been to make sure people realise what it really represents.  "One of our main strategies is to challenge the myths put out by the BNP, says Ms Wood.  It is important that people know that although they claim to be the party of law and order many of them have serious criminal convictions.